Reviews by JamLand:

On a recent visit to San Diego, we drove up to The Bruery to check it out. We showed up at about 4:30, we thought the tasting room opened at 5:00, but the parking lot had plenty of cars in it, so we went up to the door to check it out and there was a line inside. I heard they sometimes have special hours for the Reserve and Hoarders Societies, but I asked if they were open already and they said they were having a special release that day and decided to open early. The first example of the great service we would encounter while at The Bruery. Typical outdoor setting from The Bruery, in an industrial park, but with plenty of parking, which is always a bonus.

Fairly standard bar seating around the perimeter of tasting room, with high top tables and barrels to sit at in the middle. Even though we were there early, it was pretty busy. I'm guessing because of the special release of Cuir.

You can buy either full beers, individual tasters (although not every beer on tap is eligible for a taster) or flights of tasters. As for the tasters, they have a few preset flights or you can create your own. Additionally, I believe they have special tasters for some of their Hoarder and Reserve society members. When we were there it was their five year anniversary, so they had a flight of their five anniversary beers, which was amazing. They also offer multiple bottles for purchase.

Although there was a fairly significant line when we got there, their service was very quick. When I explained to the server we were from Austin, TX, he was over the top helpful. He explained how the tasting room worked, how the bottles were set up a particular way and when we checked out, he threw in free coasters and a key chain with our purchase.

There was not a food truck when we were there, but it is my understanding that is unusual. There is typically one there with some various local trailers that have a rotating schedule with them.

Although we loved our experience, beers, service, etc. The Bruery and their beers are expensive. I would consider this a must stop if in the area, but come prepared to spend some money. (2,122 characters)

Really fair prices $1-3 tasters with a good pour. Meet a guy on the highest reserve society they have and got to try alot of rare gems. Signed up for the 20 min tour. It was really cool to see how they did work and the history of the place. Bought a Growler of smoking woods coffee was a great day and will be back! (315 characters)

The Bruery has great beer and was expected to be the highlight of our west coast brewery tours, but unless you are a society member there isn't much to choose from. There were 4 variants of smoking wood - I didn't like that beer once...still glad we made the trek, but would skip it next time. (294 characters)

The Bruery's tasting room is pretty legit inside. A few years ago the tasting room went from being somewhat ad hoc inside the brewing room to an actual air conditioned, dedicated space. The Bruery also added a pilot system to test out new ideas. The Bruery has always had a robust tap list, but now with the pilot system in place, the Bruery has even further expanded its offerings.

The Bruery’s tasting room is not without its faults though. Perhaps the biggest tasting room drawback is the amount of people. While the tasting room is in a nondescript, out of the way location and at times zero food options (when there isn’t an available food truck), it does not stop the place from getting packed. Once the place is packed, finding a seat can be difficult and getting a beer can be even more of a challenge. (821 characters)

Visited on a May Saturday afternoon. The tasting room was full of people and energy. Tours were given on the hour, but I missed the last one. Awesome selection of beers on tap and in bottles. Prices for tasting sized glasses were very cheap and generous. Amazing variety, originality and quality of beers. No food, which was the only negative. Do yourself a favor--go! (375 characters)